A Rare Case of Pediatric Nontraumatic Myositis Ossificans in the Posterior Triangle

• Published in: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2016-05, Vol.84, p.116-118
• Main Authors: Simmonds, Jonathan, MD, Taki, Nizar, MD, Chilton, Ilana, MS, Vecchiotti, Mark, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atraumatic Myositis Ossificans; Female; Humans; Infant; Myositis Ossificans; Myositis Ossificans - diagnosis; Myositis Ossificans - etiology; Myositis Ossificans - surgery; Neck Dissection; Nontraumatic Myositis Ossificans; Otolaryngology; Pediatrics; Superficial Back Muscles
• ISSN: 0165-5876; 1872-8464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.03.003

Abstract Background Myositis Ossificans Cicumscripta is a rare condition characterized by aberrant bone formation in paramuscular soft tissue of the extremities usually associated with trauma or a genetic mutation. Very few cases involve the head or neck and it is rarely found in the pediatric population. Objectives We present a case of a 5-month old with a rapidly growing posterior neck mass suspicious for neoplasia, which was treated with surgical resection and found to be a non-traumatic, non-genetic form of Myositis Ossificans. The workup, treatment, and findings of the patient are outlined and a review of the literature on this disease is discussed. Conclusion Myositis Ossificans is characterized by aberrant bone formation typically occurring after trauma but may be secondary to an underlying genetic abnormality. The case presented in the absence of trauma or an underlying genetic abnormality and is therefore an exceedingly rare instance of the sporadic form that presented spontaneously in the head and neck of a pediatric patient.